Multi-communication technology based AMI for smart metering in India

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is the enabling technology for smart grid at the distribution side. In this paper, an overview on the AMI architecture is provided. Since AMI adds an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) layer to the existing grid, the types of communication networks with their associated technologies are discussed. Realizing the benefits of AMI from round the globe, the details of smart grid pilot projects and other initiatives undertaken in India to strengthen the distribution system are presented. This paper proposes a multi communication technology based smart metering methodology in India. To understand the challenges involved in multi-communication smart metering, smart meters of different communication technologies are developed and field tested with data concentrator unit capable of handling multi-communication technologies. The results have shown that due to line of sight issues, the wireless communication smart metering is ideal for apartments and wired technology smart meters are suited where data loss cannot be tolerated.